Jamaica’s newest roots, rock, reggae band Rootz Underground recently released their debut album entitled “Movement”; here is some positive feedback about the band and their music.

Conscious Choice Magazine.  April 2008

MUSIC

Rootz Underground

Movement

(Rivertone Records/Mystic Urchin)

While this Kingston, Jamaica-based collective may be termed "reggae rock," they take the best elements of both to compile what is arguably one of the most impressive debuts of recent times. Over the course of 73 minutes they infuse electric guitars and other jazz-based instruments (saxophones, keys) into the obvious necessity of reggae tradition: the low end. It's not surprising, however, when your bassist is nicknamed "Babylon Headache." Fueled by the unforgettable voice of Stephen Newland — part revolutionary poetics, part lover's rock — Movement reminds us that reggae evolves while remaining "internally" recognizable. The slow skank of "Time Is An Illusion" induces a masterful lyrical hypnosis, while "Herb Fields" plays off a rather familiar "Jammin" riddim in their most celebrated track. The rhythmic pattern leading off "In the Jungle" is a praiseful throwback to poets of liberation and social freedom. The song, as this band, is taking the bold next step forward to freedom. —Derek Beres

 http://consciouschoice.com/2008/04/artsoulreviews_0804.html

As seen in the Broward-Palm Beach New Times March 20th

Rootz Underground- MOVEMENT (Riverstone/Mystic Urchin)

By Jonathan Cunningham

Published: March 20, 2008

Subject(s): MOVEMENT, Roots Rock, addictive

Roots Rock doesn't really have a home in contemporary reggae any more. A good number of singers are keeping the consciousness aspects of the music alive like Tarrus Riley, I-Wayne, and others, but where those artists shine as individuals, it's rarer still to find a full band willing to trod on collectively. Kingston's Rootz Underground is ready and willing to change this, and proof of that is draped all over their debut release, MOVEMENT. The six musicians obviously put a lot of work into the album, which bangs out with the uninhibited energy of a raw demo, though sonically it's all fine-tuned and easy on the ears. Certain cuts like "Hammer," "Victims of a System," and "In the Jungle" are just as hard-hitting musically as they are educationally. Spreading a message of not just love but higher meditation and social responsibility is keen to the group's sound. But Rootz Underground doesn't preach, they teach, and none of the messages on MOVEMENT come off as overbearing. Lead singer Stevie Newland has the rare, raspy, smoked out voice of young Bob Marley meeting Smokey Robinson, and, over one-drop riddims, his singing style is addictive. These cats should definitely make a smash on the global reggae scene in 2008, and if you're curious what else is hot in the genre besides standard dancehall tunes, MOVEMENT is the answer.

http://www.browardpalmbeach.com/2008-03-20/music/rootz-underground/

Here is a listing of the band’s upcoming shows:

April 20th Gainesville, FL @ 5th Avenue Arts Festival 4:30pm show

April 26th  Miami Beach, FL @ North Beach Band Shell (73rd and Collins Ave)  7pm show

May 17th Kingston, Jamaica

June 20-21 Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, Mendocino, CA